10 Things to Know About Concerts at the Arizona State Fair
A few years ago I received a complaint from a reader when I posted an AZ State Fair video in which I consume a chocolate covered scorpion. It really wasn't one of my favorite fair foods; just like eating a cricket really. Not that I eat a lot of crickets.
This year's Arizona State Fair lasts for just over two weeks. After you have gorged yourself on a deep fried Caesar salad or chocolate-dipped cucumber (my suggestions to appease animal lovers), you might want to attend one of the many popular AZ State Fair concerts.
Here are ten things you should know about attending concerts at the Arizona State Fair.
- Concerts are included with your admission to the Arizona State Fair. There's no extra charge. That's a great deal!
- The concerts take place at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. For those that have lived in the Phoenix area for a while, that used to be the Purple Palace where the Phoenix Suns originally played, and where the Phoenix Roadrunners played ice hockey. It is not in great shape now, although it certainly suffices for free concerts! The acoustics are not great, and don't expect to see fantastic special effects here.
- Every year the organizers of the Arizona State Fair try to offer a broad spectrum of concert genres. Concerts will include rock, country, Latin, rap, R&B, heavy metal bands and performers. Sometimes comedians will be scheduled. Attend a few, attend them all.
- If you want to be assured of a seat near the front or on the center floor of the stadium, you may purchase reserved seats for a very reasonable price. Reserved seat tickets are typically less than $25 each. They may be purchased in advance or at the Fair box office.
- In my opinion, the seats on the floor aren't that special. In the stands, the seats are stadium-style, so you can see over just about anyone sitting in front of you. Sure, in the side sections you have to turn your head to the stage.
- The entry for general admission seats is on the second level. It is a ramp entry, so it is wheelchair accessible. Entry to the main level (reserved tickets) involves stairs and, although there might be one, I was unable to locate an elevator.
- In most cases concerts do not sell out, although there are usually one or two exceptions every year for super hot bands. For that reason, you'll find that there's no reason to line up or arrive at the Coliseum very early. I'd say that most people arrive are taking their seats about 15 minutes before concert time. Don't be surprised if the concert starts late. For those few shows that are anticipated to sell out (the box office staff can tell you which those are) you might want to arrive a half an hour before the scheduled show time for general admission.
- Concerts at the AZ State Fair generally last for between 1-1/4 and 1-1/2 hours. There is no intermission. Concessions are available. There are plenty of restrooms.
- The kids have never been to a live concert? What better way to introduce them to the experience!
- Although some performers may specify different restrictions, photography is allowed, but only without flash. No video or recording devices are permitted.
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